International flights from Darbhanga airport likely by Nov: Sanjay Kumar Jha

Patna: International flight operations from Darbhanga airport are likely to commence in Nov this year, Rajya Sabha member and JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said on Wednesday after meeting Union civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi.Jha said he submitted a letter to the minister, urging him to expedite the construction of the permanent civil enclave and begin international services from the airport. He added that Naidu assured him that all necessary departmental procedures would be completed by November to facilitate the launch of international flights. The minister also extended full cooperation on matters related to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Jha said.“We express our heartfelt gratitude to the minister for this clear and positive assurance,” Jha said.Darbhanga airport is the first facility developed under the UDAN scheme where security has been handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Highlighting its growing importance, Jha told the minister that the steady rise in passenger traffic demonstrates its commercial viability, regional necessity and strong potential for international operations.

He said the airport has emerged as a key hub for travellers across North Bihar, including the Mithila region, besides serving those living in bordering areas of Nepal and neighbouring states. The introduction of international flights is expected to benefit non-resident Indians, business travellers and tourists, while also boosting regional trade and tourism.Jha further said the Bihar govt has initiated the process to acquire land required for the airport’s expansion. “The land acquisition process is expected to be completed by the end of this month. We have also received confirmation that the ministry of defence has granted in-principle approval for the expansion project,” he said.